LEINSTER SH A CHAMPIONSHIP: DUBLIN SOUTH 3-24 WEXFORD SCHOOLS 2-13
Dub South start their Leinster campaign in style
Daire Walsh
DUBLIN minor Liam Murphy and Fionn O Ceallaigh were in sparkling form at Abbotstown on Saturday when Dublin South began their Leinster SH ‘A’ Championship ‘Group Teams’ campaign with a 3-24 to 2-13 victory over Wexford Schools.
Defeats to Borris VS and Kilkenny CBS had ruled South out of contention for a spot in the knockout stages of the Leinster Senior ‘A’ Hurling League, but they finished the group stages of that competition on a high against Castlecomer CS last Wednesday week (November 15). A 3-15 to 1-18 success at O’Toole Park gave Fintan Clandillon’s charges a confidence boost ahead of their championship opener three days later, and with Ben Coffey and Des Duggan combining well at midfield, they gained early control against Wexford.
The excellent O Ceallaigh claimed a brace of opening period goals, and thanks to an additional three-pointer by Mark Grogan, they brought a comprehensive 3-7 to 0-7 cushion into the break. Wexford gave themselves a fighting chance in the second half by adopting a direct attacking approach, but with Michael Conroy delivering a sterling defensive performance, South remained in front.
Liam Murphy ended with a personal tally of 0-10, and courtesy of strong scoring returns from O Ceallaigh (2-2), Coffey (0-5) and Luke McDwyer (0-3), they comfortably advanced to face Offaly Schools in the next round.